Facelifted Audi RS3 spotted testing: everything we know so far
November 23, 2023 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The Audi RS3 is getting a facelift, with the hot hatch getting tweaked styling to keep it looking fresh. Read on for all you need to know.
- Updated Audi RS3 saloon spotted
- Minor styling tweaks for both saloon and hatch variants
- Expected to retain 2.5-litre engine
- Power expected to remain at 400hp
- Debut possible in early 2024
An updated version of the Audi RS3 is on the horizon, with some styling tweaks coming for the Mercedes-AMG A45 S alternative.
Power is expected to stay the same from its five-cylinder turbocharged engine, however a slightly faster Performance version could be on the cards at a later date.
The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine isn’t going anywhere, and the power is expe ted to stay at 400hp. A faster performance version could make an appearance at a later date though.
New Audi RS3 design
This is just a mid-life facelift for the Audi RS3, so the styling changes will be pretty minimal. That said, when you look at this prototype next to the current RS3 you can see a couple of obvious differences.
The grille actually appears to be slightly less imposing on the new car, with a bar that runs across it to break it up a bit. The lower air intakes have also been slightly re-shaped, and some new LED headlights look likely as well.
Not much has changed down the side of the car. You still have the blistered wheel arches as before and the sporty side skirts, making the RS3 look more muscular and making room for the wider wheels.
The tail lights do look like they’ve been given a slight makeover though, and the rear bumper appears to be lacking the fake honeycomb vent which the current car has. The beefy-looking lower diffuser is here to stay though.
New Audi RS3 engine and performance
Don’t expect too many changes under the bonnet of this updated Audi RS3, it’ll be retaining the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine of the current car, likely to be paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Check out Mat’s review of the current Audi RS3…
As it stands this engine makes 400hp and 500Nm of torque, and the RS3 will do 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds. Don’t expect these numbers to change for the facelifted car, however there could be a slightly more powerful Performance version in the works further down the line.
When can I buy a new Audi RS3
The Audi RS3 is a relatively new model, with the current car launching at the end of 2021, so don’t expect this new one to debut until early 2024.
The price is likely to see a slight increase as well, with the current starting price of around £51,000 likely to go up to around £55,000.
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